Animal rp was one of my early rp settings/subjects/third-example, and it's something akin to a guilty pleasure these days. I'm not interested in quite a few aspects of this genre, I know fuck-all in comparison to the average animal rper. I like a very specific kind of basic talking animals rp, which isn't very popular.
So, I have a few questions for experienced animal RPers who're active in this genre. The point here is to get a better insight and to help with game creation.
What are the pros, aims, and purpose in the following list of popular themes? For example, is xyz purely for aesthetic appeal or is there a distinct use? If so, how and when is it applied in a scene? E.g the extra-large or hypermorph mutation.
Accessories, e.g jewellery, clothing
Unusual colours, markings, extra limbs/appendages
Skills/stats, upgradable or not
Territory challenges
Mutations, be it magic or science fiction=based
Anthropomorphism*
For the last subject, does it matter? Can a game have a level of anthropomorphism beyond standard human speech and intellect? How might it be measured, explained, and enforced for consistency?
e.gIn a semirealistic game, rodents naturally have 'handpaws' and can hold, use simple tools or items, whereas dogs and cats cannot; but in a fantasy setting, nearly any species can unrealistically turn and bend their wrists, shoulders, toes/fingers etc.
Lastly, please keep in mind that this is not a debate, or a casual 'why is x popular? || I dunno.' discussion thread, thank you!